Lucasfilm Announces New Star Wars Books and Comics at SDCC and Beyond
Lucasfilm had a quieter time at San Diego Comic-Con compared to other studios, but fans of the books and comics will be delighted at the new slate of reveals that were unveiled at the convention.
The biggest reveal is that longtime ‘Star Wars’ author Justina Ireland will be writing a new novel titled ‘The Acolyte: Wayseeker’ and will explore Vernestra Rwoh’s life about 20 years prior to the events of ‘The Acolyte’, filling in the gaps of where audience leave her in The High Republic books.
Another prequel book to ‘The Acolyte’ starring Yord and Jecki will arrive in July 2025 by Tessa Gratton, a YA novel exploring the pair’s life before their demise at the hands of Qimir. The title hasn’t been released yet.
Cavan Scott was present at the panel to reveal that another figure from ‘The Acolyte, the Wookiee Jedi Kelnacca, will be joining Marvel’s ‘The High Republic’ comic and mainstay Keeve Trennis in February 2025.
Before that releases, Kelnacca will get a one-shot comic from Cavan Scott tohave his own story.
Later this year, Kristin Baver will be crafting a new art book ‘The Art of Star Wars: The High Republic (Volume II)’ which will show off concept art from Phase II and Phase III of the multimedia publishing initiative. Rebecca Henderson, the actress that portrayed Vernestra Rwoh in ‘The Acolyte’ will write the foreword.
Kristin Baver will also write another art book releasing next July called ‘The Art of of The Acolyte’ taking audiences behind the scenes with concept art, costume designs, creature illustrations, and more. ‘The Acolyte’ series creator Leslye Headland will write a foreword for the book.
Sticking with ‘The Acolyte’, Pablo Hidalgo will be writing ‘The Acolyte Visual Guide’ from DK with facts about characters, ships, tech, and locations from the series that will release next year.
A new Vernestra Rwoh action figure joins Hasbro’s The Black Series with a pose that matches her live-action appearance from ‘The Acolyte’. No release date has been announced.
Stepping away from ‘The High Republic’ era, ‘The Art of Star Wars Outlaws’ will explore the new locations and characters in the upcoming ‘Star Wars’ video game.
After SDCC, Gizmodo exclusively announced that the author of the ‘Alphabet Squadron’ trilogy Alexander Freed will be penning a new book set between ‘Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith’ and ‘Star Wars: A New Hope’ called trilogy called ‘Reign of the Empire’.
The first book will be titled ‘Mask of Fear’ focusing on perspectives from Mothma, Bail Organa, Saw Gerrera, and original characters as they wonder what they have to stop
Emperor Palpatine.
The synopsis reads:
“Before the Rebellion, the Empire reigned.
“In order to ensure the security and continuing stability, the Republic will be reorganized into the first Galactic Empire! For a safe and secure society!
“With one speech, and thunderous applause, Chancellor Palpatine brought the era of the Republic crashing down. In its place rose the Galactic Empire. Across the galaxy, people rejoiced and celebrated the end to war—and the promises of tomorrow. But that tomorrow was a lie. Instead the galaxy became twisted by the cruelty and fear of the Emperor’s rule.
“During that terrifying first year of tyranny, Mon Mothma, Saw Gerrera, and Bail Organa face the encroaching darkness. One day, they will be three architects of the Rebel Alliance. But first, each must find purpose and direction in a changing galaxy, while harboring their own secrets, fears, and hopes for a future that may never come, unless they act.”
‘The Mask of Fear’ will release on February 25, 2025.
Rebecca Roanhorse will pen the second novel that will release in Spring 2026 and Fran Wilde will write the final novel in Spring 2027.
The sequel books will jump forwards in the ‘Star Wars’ timeline to explore key turning points for the Rebel Alliance.
